I'm planning to look at a Monster in a couple days but it looks like snow. I will be able to take my time and look at everything. I can start it and run it as long as I want but not sure if I want to take it out in the snow.

Should I take a chance or wait for spring?

When I have sold bikes to private parties, I never let them test ride. So my vote goes to boobies.

I have just been trying to figure out what issues could be missed by not riding it. I guess low speed stumble or maybe some vibration. But I would check all the wheels for bends and excessive weights also check the steering bearing for play and chain alignment. hmmmm

There's a saying when buying something complicated or expensive (cars, cycles, things with lots of moving parts).

You're buying the seller, not the item.

How was it cared for?  Does the seller give you the feeling he's a responsible rider/owner?  (i.e., sedate is probably preferable than someone hooning on it or bouncing the revs at startup).  All receipts?  Clean garage / storage area?

Beyond that, if it start / idles well, and the rest of the bike checks out it sounds good.

If you get a good vibe and its a good deal, roll with it.

I've never bought a vehicle that I havn't personally demo'd (car, truck, bike, airplane, etc).  I understand about "buying" the seller, but at what point does the seller no longer become responsible for the condition of the vehicle....when you purchase it.   The seller could honestly miss something, or be keeping something from you.

If the seller won't allow a test ride, I'll look elsewhere.  I have no problem letting them hold a certified check made out in their name, or a wad of cash if they need it.

On the flip side, I will not allow a test ride from just anyone without cash/collateral in my hand....unless I know/friends with the guy/gal.

my .04$

I've bought half a dozen bikes off ebay. 

I think this is a subjective thing that is completely dependant on what bike...for example-if it is a year old bike and looks to have no damage and is a clean title, I might not need to ride it, or if it is an inspected bike at a reputable dealership...as bikes get older and higher milage and a seller maybe doesn't seem to have enough information for to comfort you ( whether it be a disclosure or ignorance issue) then a test ride is moreso my litmus test to know if it is something I am willing to engage in because there are some things you'll not know unless you feel or experience them....the other thingis this...is it a Bike model you are familiar with or have ridden before? if so, then some idiosynchrosies will be readily apparent if there is something that is a cause for to look at ( like a surging issue in the middle rev range of an S2R1K for example)...otherwise, a test ride is just a basic functionality check of the normal operational items/systems of the machine....

the last thing a test ride for me gives me, is a barometer of the owner...I test rode a bike once that the guy had plugged the rear tire, but it wasn't an obvious plug, until it let go on me on the test ride at 65mph in 6th gear when I was rolling through all the gears to test basic functionality and the guy played stupid with me about it....though plugs usually don't give way in my experience, it was the owner and how he handled and reacted than the bike or the issue at that point that made me walk away.

Quote from: ducatiz on January 19, 2012, 09:02:46 AM
I've bought half a dozen bikes off ebay. 

you know what they say....caveat emptor

Quote from: zooom on January 19, 2012, 09:04:01 AM
you know what they say....caveat emptor

I tend to disassemble and reassemble bikes when  I get bored so it doesn't bug me to find problems so much.  I just want to knwo that the engine is ok and the frame isn't tweaked

I've been fortunate and bought two with no ride or even in person look overs. Granted, both were DML/DMF listings which I think of as a bit of a filter and both sellers were happy to send more info, answer questions etc etc before any deal was struck.

Yeah, I'm guessing that whatever I get will have the exhaust, intake and tune changed, maybe the new springs, valve adjustment all done before It gets warm enough to ride it.

The only thing i fear would be something that involves pulling the motor or trans apart because what become less fun, costs to much and always takes way too long.

Thanks for all the input. I have always ridden bikes before I bought them at least the ones I was buying in running condition. I think if I really look at EVERYTHING (tank up, seat off, check vin, etc, etc) and the owner sounds legit I wouldn't miss much by not riding it.

Thanks

Hell no!  To much mula to spend. What if you don't like the ride?  A lot of dealerships have lost a lot of my business for that very reason.  There's gotta be some road clear somewhere right?

I'm going from a 620 to hopefully a S2R1000 so I'm not too worried about liking the ride. It will feel a little heavier and the clutch will be firmer. I think the seller would let me test ride with money in hand I just don't know if the weather will let that happen.

Bought my Monster new without ever riding it.
I had ridden a speed triple at a dealer months before and then test rode the used one I bought.

Boobies? I actually sold my bike through the DMF, but the buyer did not ask for a test ride. I would have told him that I would need the cash in hand. I would be more willing to buy a bike from a local club person or a friend of someone I trusted. I would only buy from fleabay if someone knowlegable would check it out first.